NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- A state trooper was shot inside a New Bedford home early Thursday morning.
State police had a warrant for a drug raid at the Shawmut Avenue house. They announced their presence before trying to enter the apartment.
Upon entering, someone fired multiple gunshots through an interior wall, hitting a trooper. It was then that police opened fire, killing 32-year old Thomas Garnett.
The trooper was not injured. His bullet-proof vest caught the bullet.
Garnett's friend Jason Rossi has suspicions about the story authorities are telling, saying, "He's not that type of person. I know him very well and he's not the type of person to open fire on police officers."
Neighbor Brenda Lagasse says she was fearful for a disabled eight-year old boy and his mother living in the home, saying, "I heard 12 gunshots simultaneously. The child cannot run. He couldn't run and hide. He couldn't run out the door. So when there's gunfire, I think about the child that can't run and hide, can't hide under his bed."
Authorities are investigating whether or not the shooting inside the home was justifed.
Garnett's death will be investigated by the district attorney.
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